Staff Spotlight: Candice Meikle,
Teacher & Assistant Houseparent at the Prep School
Friday 04 April 2025
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In our Staff Spotlight series we are speaking with our interesting and varied Gordonstoun staff, exploring their interests and finding out what makes them tick. This week we spoke with Candice Meikle, Teacher and Assistant House Parent at the Prep School about classroom fun last term, her love of teaching, live music and being drawn back to Gordonstoun. |
Tell us a bit about yourself, what you do and how long you have worked at Gordonstoun?
In 2019 I worked at Gordonstoun as a JSA (Junior School Assistant, as it was known at the time) and really loved being here. That spurred me on to do my teacher training in Primary Education at Edinburgh University, followed by working in a number of schools across Moray. I had previously completed a sports degree at Stirling University, but my time as a JSA really was life changing.
This is now my second year at Gordonstoun as a class teacher in the Prep School. I am also an Assistant House Parent for the Prep School boarders.
What do you enjoy most about working at Gordonstoun?
The people, definitely the people that I work with. All my colleagues in the Prep School, and across the school, are fantastic. The children as well - they were definitely a huge part of the draw for me, of coming back to work here.
What is happening in your department right now? Any new initiatives/exciting events for this year?
We recently held a taster day where a number of children joined us in the Prep School to experience a typical day in the school. We are already looking forward to the next taster day in May.
We’ve had a few opportunities to dress up over the last term, which is always fun. First we had International Dress Day when children are invited to come to school dressed in their national dress, in a celebration of Internationalism. Then we had World Book Day, with the pupils dressed up as their favourite book character. As teachers, we love to get involved with dressing up too. We invited a children's book illustrator in to explain their process, draw with the pupils and help to shop how art brings stories to life.
In recent weeks I have been helping colleagues and pupils in Year 7 and 8 with their production of Oliver. All the preparation culminated in an amazing set of performances this week.
At the end of this term we had an inquiry showcase for Reception to Year 6, where parents and guardians can come in and see the pupils’ work. They will be able to see the progression as you walk through the school, with each year having a different theme based on significant individuals, such as Romans or Greeks.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Probably becoming a teacher, I think.
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
That's a hard question. Perfect happiness to me would be sitting in the sun with my family and friends and probably a cocktail!
What is something surprising about you?
When I was at University prior to working at Gordonstoun as a JSA, I did a lot of dancing and cheerleading and I've competed nationally in both too.
I’m originally from the same town as Susan Boyle and I was in the same class at school as Lewis Capaldi!
What talent, real or fictional, would you most like to have?
In this class, probably reading minds. I think that would be really helpful in this job. It might be both good and bad at times, but overall I think it could be really helpful.
Is there a quote or saying you live your life by?
My absolute favourite inspiration is Shania Twain and ‘Let’s Go Girls’
What is your guilty pleasure?
My guilty pleasure is going to concerts and listening to music. Enjoying the atmosphere at a concert or a music festival makes me feel good and it’s even better with friends and family. I like a big range of music from country to rock to pop - everything, so I think that music is definitely my guilty pleasure.
Curious about Gordonstoun? To find out more about our Prep School staff, the vibrant community and the uniquely broad range of opportunities available to our pupils, join us on our next Virtual Taste of Gordonstoun Webinar.
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